The Physical Phenomenon: Understanding Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a dangerous medical condition that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing a dangerously low body temperature. This condition often happens with prolonged exposure to cold weather or immersion in cold water, but it can also occur indoors, especially for infants or older adults in poorly heated homes. A body temperature below 95°F (35°C) is considered a medical emergency.
Causes and Risk Factors of Hypothermia
Several factors can contribute to the development of hypothermia:
- Environmental Exposure: Spending a long time in cold weather, especially with wet clothing, accelerates heat loss.
- Older Adults and Infants: Both are highly vulnerable due to less efficient thermoregulation. Infants can lose heat rapidly, even in a cold room.
- Substance Abuse: Alcohol and drug use can impair judgment and the perception of cold, increasing risk.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and heart disease can impact the body's ability to regulate its temperature.
- Immobility: Accidental falls or being unable to move can lead to heat loss and hypothermia.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Hypothermia
Symptoms can vary depending on the severity but progress as the body's temperature drops:
- Mild Hypothermia: You may experience shivering (which may stop in severe cases), numbness, and mild confusion. Skin may feel cold to the touch.
- Moderate Hypothermia: Shivering subsides, confusion and impaired judgment worsen, and speech becomes slurred. A person may become drowsy and experience a loss of coordination.
- Severe Hypothermia: This is a life-threatening stage where a person may lose consciousness, have a very slow heart rate and breathing, and stop shivering entirely. Immediate medical intervention is critical.
The Psychological Response: The 'Freeze' State
Beyond the physical, the term 'freeze' also refers to a psychological survival response, part of the autonomic nervous system's fight, flight, or freeze spectrum. This is an involuntary reaction to overwhelming stress or trauma where the body and mind feel paralyzed or stuck.
The Neurobiology of the Freeze Response
When faced with a perceived threat, the body's threat-detection system, centered in the amygdala, triggers a rapid response. When fight or flight feels impossible, the dorsal vagal nerve pathway can trigger a freeze response, causing immobilization. This is an ancient defensive strategy, famously seen in animals like the "deer in headlights". This response can also manifest as a chronic state, sometimes called "functional freeze," where an individual feels numb or disconnected while still performing daily tasks.
Psychological Signs of the Freeze Response
Unlike physical hypothermia, a psychological freeze can manifest as:
- Feeling detached or numb (dissociation).
- Difficulty making decisions or completing tasks.
- Feeling stuck or paralyzed by overwhelming stress.
- Physical sensations like a racing heart, muscle tension, or shallow breathing, even when outwardly still.
Comparison: Hypothermia vs. Freeze Response
| Feature | Hypothermia (Physical) | Freeze Response (Psychological) |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Abnormally low body temperature due to cold exposure. | Overwhelming stress or perceived threat to safety. |
| Mechanism | Loss of heat faster than it can be produced. | Autonomic nervous system activation, leading to immobilization. |
| Primary Symptoms | Shivering, slurred speech, confusion, drowsiness, exhaustion. | Feelings of paralysis, emotional numbness, dissociation, indecision. |
| Physical State | Core body temperature drops below 95°F (35°C). | Physical tension, reduced heart rate, shallow breathing. |
| Treatment | Immediate rewarming, blankets, warm fluids, professional medical help. | Grounding techniques, breathing exercises, professional therapy. |
What to Do When the Body Starts to 'Freeze'
Recognizing the correct type of 'freeze' is crucial for effective action. Here are the steps to take depending on the situation:
- For Physical Hypothermia (Medical Emergency): Call 911 immediately. Gently move the person to a warm, dry place. Remove any wet clothing and cover them with blankets or warm clothing. Offer warm, non-alcoholic beverages if they are conscious. Do not rub or apply direct heat, which can cause shock.
- For Psychological Freeze Response (Trauma): Find a safe space. Use grounding techniques, such as focusing on your senses (e.g., naming five things you can see, four you can touch). Practice diaphragmatic breathing to regulate your nervous system. Move slowly and gently to bring awareness back to your body.
Long-Term Management and Recovery
Recovery from hypothermia involves addressing the physical aftermath and potentially treating any underlying conditions that contributed to it. For survivors of severe hypothermia, a hospital stay and monitoring are necessary.
Overcoming a chronic freeze response requires consistent, patient work. Many find success through professional guidance. Trauma-informed therapy, such as Somatic Experiencing, can help a person complete the thwarted threat response cycle and restore their sense of safety and regulation. Mindfulness and body-awareness practices are also valuable tools.
Seeking Professional Help for Trauma and Stress
When dealing with chronic stress or a trauma-related freeze response, seeking help from a qualified mental health professional is an important step toward healing. They can provide a personalized treatment plan and help you develop coping strategies for the future. For more information on finding a qualified therapist, visit the American Psychological Association website.
Conclusion
The phrase "what is it called when your body starts to freeze" can lead to two very different, yet critical, areas of health: physical hypothermia and a psychological freeze response. Understanding the distinct causes, symptoms, and appropriate responses for each is essential. Whether facing a dangerously low body temperature from cold exposure or a feeling of paralysis from overwhelming stress, knowing the right steps can lead to a safer and healthier outcome.
